How To Be Productive On A Sick Day

So I found myself feeling down and out yesterday morning, less than motivated to get anything done on a very busy week. Sick days are never convenient especially for us “always keeping busy and always have something to do” types. But when your body calls for some healing time you shouldn’t ignore it. king at my to-do list, however, I knew it wasn’t a day I could give up completely to stay in bed. Luckily I have a job that I can remote into and work from home on days needed and with budget time approaching soon I couldn’t feel more blessed to have that option. I needed to create a day where I could take my sick time but also still push through some productivity and accomplish some tasks.

How To Be Productive On A Sick Day: Tips and Tricks to Help You Take Time To Heal but Still Get Things Done

1.) Take it Easy – I chose not to shower and get dressed. I chose to save that energy for meetings later in the day. I spent the day curled up in bed behind my laptop keeping me warm and comfy. This gave me a bit of sense of security not having to face anyone in person when I wasn’t feeling my best. Write out a realistic list of tasks that you think you can accomplish throughout the day.

2.) Start Small – Take a peek at your to-do list and see what tasks range closer to the “easy” side. For me, it was tackling sponsored Facebook posts. The verbiage is basically copy and paste so I didn’t have to get much thinking going early in the morning. Chose tasks that are also self-sufficient. Like laundry, this is a chore that you can throw in the washer and then let the washer do its thing. Save any hand-washing for another day.

3.) Hydrate – make sure you are drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day. This will help you stay more energized and it will help flush out the toxins. I am a huge fan of tea especially when I’m not feeling well so I kept a cup of hot tea by my side most of the day.

4.) Put on Some Background Noise – For me, this meant a good Netflix binge. The background noise kept me feeling more awake to work but still relaxed enough that I didn’t feel stressed.

5.) Take Breaks – Be honest about your limits when you don’t feel good. Take frequent breaks throughout the day. Remember a sick day is about resting so you can get better. Sick days are not the days to take over the world…save that for tomorrow when you’re feeling back to par!

Bonus – Go to be early! Remember that there is always another day, “what doesn’t get done today will get done another day”.

I knew I needed to give myself some extra self-care so that I could get better but I am also one that will stress about what I’m not getting done while I’m laying in bed being sick so I curated my plan of attack so that I could find the right balance to work for myself. This isn’t to say that every sick day can have this plan…some sick days you just have to let it all go and stay in bed!